Pence Gets High Grades on Campaign Trial for 'Compassionate Conservatism'

Even if Republican nominee Donald Trump loses the election, his running mate Gov. Mike Pence has a bright political future, The Hill reports.

Those put off by Trump's style have praised the performance of Pence, who many say has helped soften the image of the brash real estate mogul and has projected a compassionate conservatism that appeals to many in the GOP establishment.

In his first month as Trump's vice presidential pick, Pence has shown principle and empathy on a national stage that will serve him well in future political races.

Republican Sen. Jeff Flake, who is one of his party's biggest Trump critics, told The Hill that Pence "is loyal to the ticket, but people have seen the kind of man he is. … That will stick with the voters."

Indiana GOP strategist Keith Appell added that no matter the election's outcome, Pence "will be a top-tier player in the conservative movement and the Republican Party and someone I think can have appeal across the aisle."

Pence is given high grades as a policy expert and as someone who has built strong relationships in Congress while also leading a traditional family life.

Since joining the ticket, the 57-year-old Pence has received praise for his attempts to diffuse Trump’s controversial comments, such as the nominee’s "Second Amendment people" remarks, his initial refusal to endorse House Speaker Paul Ryan and Sen. John McCain in their primary races and his suggestion that if he loses it will be a sign that the election is rigged.

Some credit Pence for Trump's first expression last week of "regret" for past comments that caused "personal pain." Jeff Cardwell, who became chair of the Indiana GOP Party under Pence, told NBC News that "As I have known Mike Pence for 30 years, I see the influence of Mike on that campaign and on Donald Trump personally when I see that speech. I think that it's the influence that Mike Pence brings to the table – leadership with the servant's heart."

Despite Pence’s loyalty to Trump, he has also not backed down from taking principled stances in public, The Hill points out.

During the height of the controversy over Trump’s criticism of the Gold Star Khan family, Pence praised their son as an American hero and said the family should be "cherished like every Gold Star family."

He also defended the mother of an Air Force member who criticized Trump, telling the crowd that booed her, "Folks, that's what freedom looks like, and that's what freedom sounds like."

Pence has also impressed many with his natural personal touch, such as at a town hall meeting in Lancaster, Pennsylvania when he stepped off the stage to comfort and hug a boy with a terminally ill father who had urged the vice presidential candidate to support experimental drug treatment.

Even if Republican nominee Donald Trump loses the election, his running mate Gov. Mike Pence has a bright political future, The Hill reports.
Those put off by Trump's style have praised the performance of Pence, who many say has helped soften the image of the brash real...